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Juvenile Murdered/Suspect Arrested

News Staff

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Chief A. Perry Thomas reports there was a shooting on Monday, May, 4, 2026, shortly before 1:00 p.m. near the intersection of Martin Luther King Street and Calcasieu Street in Ville Platte. Pronounced dead at the scene was a 15-year-old male juvenile. The gun used was an AR pistol.

Shooting

Police and deputies investigate shooting

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

The Ville Platte Police Department, with the assistance from the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Monday afternoon on Martin Luther King St. More information will be reported as it becomes available.

Chloe Brook Childers

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Queens embark on royal journey

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor As another Boggy Bayou Festival gets underway this week, this year’s festival royalty shared their thoughts on what it means to represent not only the festival but also Prairie Manor Nursing Home.

LSUE SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTED - During the April 28, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club, Rotarian Dr. Willie Buller and Rotary President Beau Wilson presented the annual Ville Platte Rotary scholarship donation to the LSUE Foundation. Shown, from left, are Wilson, LSUE Foundation Executive Director Carey Lawson, LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson, Dr. Buller, and Rotarian Dr. Kirk Soileau. (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

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Ville Platte Rotary

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Rotarian Dr. Kirk Soileau welcomed LSU Eunice Chancellor Dr.

Local Headline

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Agents arrest Frank narcotic charges

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor A suspect has been arrested following an execution of a knock and announce warrant.

Local Headline

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U.S. House primary elections are suspended

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor A day after the United States Supreme Court rendered a decision in Callais v. Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order that suspended closed party primary elections for offices of U.S. Representative.

EPSO Arrests

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EPSO Arrests

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the following recent bookings into the parish jail. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Berzas is selected to serve as Boggy Bayou king

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Berzas is selected to serve as Boggy Bayou king

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

The youngest of nine, Paul Berzas, better known a “T-Boy,” was raised by his parents, the late Nathan and Alida Berzas, on their family farm in L’Anse Meg, on the outskirts of Mamou.

Gros

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Tommy G headlines festival

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

Local Swamp Pop favorite Tommy G, along with his band, Stormy Weather, will headline this year’s Boggy Bayou Festival. Tommy G is a singer, song writer and entertainer. Born Thomas Joseph Gros on April 22, 1962, in Amelia, the 8th of nine children. Tommy had a passion for music at a very young age.

Teen Miss Boggy Bayou XL Avery Annabelle Brown

Teen Miss Boggy Bayou Avery Annabelle Brown:

News Staff

Monday, May 4, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor “This was my first festival title and I had an amazing year that will always hold a special place in my heart,” shares Teen Boggy Bayou Queen Avery Annabelle Brown.

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